


Mark 13:29
Bible Versions
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors.
In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you are to know that the time is near, right at the door.
So also, when you see these things happening, know that He is near, right at the door.
even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.
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James 5:9
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. -
1 Peter 4:17
For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God? -
1 Peter 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? -
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. -
Hebrews 10:37
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. -
Ezekiel 7:10
Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded. -
Ezekiel 7:12
The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.
Mark 13:29 (KJV) is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a significant prophetic teaching given to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In this verse, Jesus draws a direct parallel from the parable of the fig tree, providing a clear indicator for His followers regarding the timing of the "end things" He has been describing.
Context
This verse immediately follows the parable of the fig tree, which illustrates that just as the budding of a fig tree's leaves signals the nearing of summer, so too will specific signs signal the approaching culmination of prophetic events. The preceding verses (Mark 13:5-27) detail a sequence of signs, including the destruction of the Temple, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecutions, false prophets, and cosmic disturbances. Jesus is preparing His disciples for what to expect before His glorious return, emphasizing the need for discernment and watchfulness.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "nigh" is engys (ἐγγύς), meaning "near" or "close." The phrase "at the doors" (epi thyrais, ἐπὶ θύραις) further intensifies this sense of immediate proximity, suggesting something or someone is right on the threshold, about to enter. This vivid imagery emphasizes that once the described signs appear, the final events, including the Second Coming of Christ, will be very close.
Practical Application
For believers today, Mark 13:29 serves as a call to spiritual alertness and discernment. It encourages us not to be ignorant of the times or dismissive of biblical prophecy. Rather than promoting fear or date-setting, this verse fosters a posture of watchful expectation and faithfulness. Understanding these signs should motivate us to live purposefully, share the Gospel, and be found ready when the Lord returns, as Jesus also commanded in Mark 13:33: "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."